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Wednesday, 26 Jan 2022

Written Answers Nos. 163-182

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (163)

John Lahart

Question:

163. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the details of the panel that will be established to assess claims for the Covid-19 pandemic bonus payment; if he will address matters (details supplied) arising in relation to the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3713/22]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility, processes that may apply to expedite payment and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.

There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.

Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.

Irish Blood Transfusion Service

Questions (164)

David Cullinane

Question:

164. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the amount of blood which was imported in 2021 to support the Blood Transfusion Service; the states from which the supplies were procured; the manner in which the availability of these supplies was identified; the controls in place to ensure safety standards conformed to Irish standards; the body responsible for inspecting the quality of blood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3714/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) are the statutory body with the responsibility for the supply of blood and blood products in Ireland. In 2021 the IBTS imported blood from the UK's National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) on two occasions. In response to this question, the IBTS advised of the following:

"The IBTS has had a long standing contingency agreement with the NHSBT to supply blood in times of acute shortage. As outlined in the IBTS business continuity plan, the point of contact is the supply chain manager in NHSBT. There is a similar arrangement in place with the SNBTS for contingency testing of donor samples should there be a failure in testing at the NBC. The UK blood services are still compliant with the European Commission Directives that regulate blood as we are in Ireland. There is a difference in the donor criteria applied to MSM, however the IBTS has made the decision to introduce individual assessment using the same processes as the UK in selecting donors. The IBTS has a robust quality system in place that ensures that the quality of the blood is compliant with EU standards. The IBTS is regulated and inspected regularly by the HPRA.

In 2021, the following rare blood units were imported:

- 1 unit of rare blood from England

- 2 units of rare blood from Sweden

- 1 unit of rare blood from Spain

These are sourced through the International Rare Donor Panel in the UK.

525 units of blood were imported from the NHSBT for general stock (115 in July, 410 in December)"

Cancer Screening Programmes

Questions (165)

David Cullinane

Question:

165. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of CervicalCheck samples sent abroad in 2021; the laboratories to which these were sent; the way that these services were procured; if these laboratories were inspected by a State body or otherwise certified for quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3715/22]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (166)

Michael Creed

Question:

166. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to issue in hard copy format the Covid-19 booster certificate to persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [3716/22]

View answer

Written answers

Following the rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland, and the successful COVID Booster Vaccination Programme, updated Digital COVID Certificates are now issuing to those who have received an additional vaccine dose.

Eligible people can request a hard copy of their new certificate through the online self-service portal at www.covidcertificateportal.gov.ie or by calling the dedicated helpline on 1800 807 008

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (167)

Holly Cairns

Question:

167. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if agency staff that worked in a clinical setting throughout the pandemic will be entitled to the €1,000 tax free payment. [3748/22]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.

There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.

Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (168)

Holly Cairns

Question:

168. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if carers that worked throughout the pandemic will be entitled to the €1,000 tax free payment. [3749/22]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.

There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.

Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.

Home Care Packages

Questions (169)

Holly Cairns

Question:

169. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) who is receiving fewer homecare hours than they are entitled to. [3751/22]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (170)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

170. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in offering vulnerable high-risk children aged from 5 to 11 years of age prioritisation for a Covid-19 vaccination following the opening of the HSE online portal for this cohort on 28 December 2021; the reason that those who registered from 4 January 2022 but were not part of the vulnerable high-risk category were offered an appointment first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3773/22]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (171)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

171. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the HPV vaccine available free of cost to all persons who would medically benefit from it; his further plans to cater for third-level students who missed receiving the vaccine in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3778/22]

View answer

Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time. In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school. In June 2017, on foot of the NIAC’s recommendation that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school. The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine. The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection. Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage. All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future. Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration. This applies to everyone whether or not they have a medical card/GP visit card, as it is outside of the HPV immunisation programme. I have asked my officials to request the National Immunisation Advisory Committee consider the clinical effectiveness of providing the HPV vaccine to:

- girls and boys in secondary school who were eligible to receive HPV vaccine in 1st year but who did not receive it; and

- women up to the age of 25 years who have left secondary school and who did not receive the vaccine when eligible. If NIAC concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support providing the HPV vaccine to one or both groups, HIQA will undertake a cost-effectiveness assessment on that basis.

Mental Health Services

Questions (172)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

172. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to ensure that mental health services are accessible to persons in the deaf community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3780/22]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Citizens' Assembly

Questions (173)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

173. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health when he expects the citizens’ assembly on drugs to convene; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3792/22]

View answer

Written answers

Consideration is being given to the appropriate methodology for future citizens' assemblies, including one on drugs use. Decisions will be guided by the experience of the Gender Equality Assembly which completed earlier this year. An independent researcher was appointed by the Assembly to monitor and record, amongst other things, the perceived deliberative quality of the Assembly. This report, published in July 2021, will assist in decisions on future Assemblies use of virtual meetings.

By their very nature, citizens assemblies require large gatherings to be truly effective. Therefore, there has been an unavoidable delay in the establishment of the next citizens' assembly due to public health restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Department of Health continues to liaise with the Department of the Taoiseach on the timing and format of the proposed citizen assembly on drug use. It is envisaged that the remaining citizen assembly, including the citizen assembly on drug use, will be established after the Dublin mayor citizens' assembly has completed its work. The specific timing of each assembly has yet to be confirmed.

The Department of Health's approach to the citizen assembly on drugs use will be informed by the Government's health-led approach to people who use drugs, as outlined in the national drugs strategy. An important component of the health-led approach is the Health Diversion Programme. The Health Diversion Programme offers compassion, not punishment, to people who use drugs and connects them with health services and provides a pathway to recovery, thereby avoiding a criminal conviction. As outlined in the Programme for Government, the programme will be reviewed after the first full year of implementation to ensure that it is meeting all of it aims and to make any necessary changes. This review could usefully inform the deliberations of the citizen's assembly on drug use.

A strategic priority for the implementation of the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 is to promote alternatives to coercive sanctions for drug-related offences. This will include the exchange of best practice with EU member states, as part of the EU Drugs Strategy 2021 – 2025.

I believe that a citizen's assembly could usefully consider the learnings from the health diversion programme and other similar alternatives to coercive sanctions. It could also inform the development of the next national drugs strategy, to replace the existing strategy in 2025.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (174)

Robert Troy

Question:

174. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if care assistants will be included in the €1,000 bonus given that they endured the same pressures during the pandemic as HSE carers. [3798/22]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.

There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.

Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.

Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 146.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (176)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

176. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when he expects the waiting list action plan 2022 to be finalised. [3804/22]

View answer

Written answers

The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, which will form the first year of a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan, is currently under development by my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Health Promotion

Questions (177)

John Lahart

Question:

177. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the successful weight management service provided by the HSE throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3809/22]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (178)

Pa Daly

Question:

178. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if all staff working in HSE vaccine centres as contractors or full-time employees will be eligible for the Covid recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/22]

View answer

Written answers

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.

Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.

There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.

Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (179)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

179. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a neurology appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3816/22]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (180)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

180. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1941 of 19 January 2022, the timeframe for his Department to conclude its considerations of the issues arising for those persons who cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/22]

View answer

Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.The HSE has been advised to operationalise updated NIAC guidance in relation to the mixing of vaccines, specifically relating to certain people who are yet to complete a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine regimen.The NIAC advice on heterologous vaccination relates to: Individuals who have already had a first dose of Vaxzevria® (AstraZeneca) and who did not complete the vaccination schedule as recommended and have requested an mRNA second dose. If an mRNA vaccine is used as a second dose, it should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

Those with a contraindication to one mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should not receive another authorised mRNA vaccine. Consideration may be given to non-mRNA vaccination for anyone 18 and older including pregnant women. This should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

It is important to note that the number of people with an absolute contraindication to Covid-19 vaccination is very small. There are very few people who cannot receive one of the current vaccines due to pre-existing allergies or history of anaphylaxis.

My Department is considering the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons. The Deputy will be aware that on 21 January the Government announced the removal of most public health measures. From 22 January, the requirement to have a Digital COVID Certificate to enter various premises in Ireland has been removed. There is no change to the current measures in place regarding international travel, including the requirement for a Digital COVID Certificate.

Further detail on the Government’s announcement is available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0fc0d-government-announces-that-most-of-the-public-health-measures-currently-in-place-can-be-removed/

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (181)

Mick Barry

Question:

181. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if his Department will put mechanisms in place to allow a person (details supplied) to get an updated Covid-19 certificate to show that their third dose of a Covid-19 was administered in another European Union state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/22]

View answer

Written answers

Following the rollout of the EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland, and the successful COVID Booster Vaccination Programme, updated Digital COVID Certificates are now being issued to those who have received an additional vaccine dose in Ireland.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate is a standardized record of a medical event which is issued by the EU Member State where the medical event took place. A Irish resident who received their booster dose in France must apply to the French authorities for a Digital COVID Certificate as proof of that vaccination.

Any Irish citizen or resident who is not able to access a Digital COVID Certificate in the Member State where they underwent a medical event, in this case France, can contact the Irish Embassy in that country for support and representation.

Medical Cards

Questions (182)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

182. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if the income thresholds for medical card applications will be adjusted to reflect the recent €5 increase in social welfare payments. [3845/22]

View answer

Written answers

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account, i.e. mortgage payments, which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card.

Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the current medical card income thresholds are kept under regular review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and other issues which may be relevant.

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